Substitute House Bill No. 6409 seeks to improve the workers' compensation claims process by amending Section 31-296 of the general statutes. The bill requires employers to submit written agreements regarding compensation to an administrative law judge (ALJ) for approval, making these agreements binding. It also mandates that employers notify both the ALJ and the injured employee before discontinuing or reducing payments due to incapacity, outlining specific procedures for requesting hearings on such changes. Notably, the bill introduces new requirements for employers to provide detailed notices regarding objections to prescription drug medications and durable medical equipment, ensuring that employees are informed of their rights and the rationale behind any proposed changes.

Key insertions in the bill include the stipulation that employers must provide written notice detailing the reasons for any proposed changes to payments for prescription drugs and durable medical equipment, along with supporting medical documentation. The bill clarifies that these notification requirements do not apply if the discontinuation is initiated by the employee's healthcare provider. Additionally, it specifies that employees have the right to request a hearing within 15 days of receiving notice, or the proposed action will be automatically approved. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, and the bill aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the workers' compensation process while safeguarding the rights of injured employees.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 31-296
LAB Joint Favorable: 31-296
File No. 551: 31-296